California's Governor Again Denies Parole for Cult Member Longtime Inmate
Gavin Newsom has once more refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over half a century in prison for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.
Parole Reversal Draws Criticism
Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly fit for release, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”
This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.
“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”
Case History of the Murders
The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.
Life Behind Bars
In her decades behind bars – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.
Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”
Past Abuse and Reform
An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.
Similar Instances
Newsom has previously denied release for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.
